Visiting a College Campus
A personal visit to a post-secondary institution is often the most useful step in helping you and your parents/guardians decide whether you to apply to a particular school. You are encouraged to make use of group tours, open house events, and group information sessions as a way of obtaining first-hand impressions of schools. Visits during the regular academic year provide a more accurate view of the academic and social life of a campus, but families often make use of summer vacation to visit several schools that are at a distance.
Tips For Visiting A College Campus
- Research the college (s) before you visit.
- Register for information sessions and tours ahead of time on the college's admissions webpage.
- The best time to visit a college campus is when college is in session.
- To have a true sense of the campus, plan to spend a half-day at each college visit.
- Arrive with questions in hand that are not easily answered by viewing the website.
- Students should ask the questions - not parents! Parents, if you do have questions be sure yours are logical "parent concerns" such as cost and safety.
- Make sure you see what's important to you (chemistry lab, radio station, freshman dorms, career center). If possible, sit in on a class or speak with a professor in the academic area of your interest.
- Engage current students in conversation and ask them questions.
- Try to schedule an interview while you are on campus. Some smaller colleges require an interview; others make it optional.
- If you are on campus to meet with a member of the athletic staff or visit the music department, schedule an appointment ahead of time so they are expecting you.
- Visit the student union, the library, and campus bookstore. Read the bulletin boards. Pick up a copy of the school newspaper and other publications.
- Take notes - perhaps purchase a postcard from the bookstore and use it to record your impressions. Also note any particular likes or dislikes you had about the school. Include any questions that the visit provoked - call the admissions office when you get home to follow up.
- Eat a meal on campus (check out the cafeteria and the snack bar). Find out what meals are available - kosher, vegan, vegetarian, nut/dairy-free, etc.
- Attend an extracurricular event.
Trust your gut instincts about a college regardless of others comments. You owe it to yourself to discover your own opinions. What you are looking for in a college may be different than what others are focused on.
